The Cerium LT hoody for men is one of the best mid-layer down jackets on the market. It is lightweight yet very warm and also provides some wind and water resistance. The fit allows heat to be retained, and the material provides durability while remaining comfortable and proving to be an ideal choice for layering over baselayers, or under weather-resistant shells.
The Patagonia Torentshell Jacket for men provides a basic 2.5 layer jacket which features a wide array of color options, stylish fit, basic rain and wind protection, and adjustable hood. The durability and expert-crafted hood make this a decent choice for hiking or around town, but a lack of technical features and less-than-perfect waterproofing make this not an ideal choice for prolonged outdoor adventures.
The North Face Resolve Jacket for men is a good choice for casual use. The waterproof material and the relaxed fit allows for a comfortable no-frills rain jacket. A lack of technical features, such as the absence of adjustable elastic cuffs, lack of breathability, and a heavy material make this jacket not suitable for prolonged outdoor adventures.
The Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket for men is a popular choice among outdoor athletes and stylish gym-goers. The variety of colors, softness, and lightweight material allow for multiple-season wear. The technical specs, such as wind-resistance, rain-repellence, and warmth, make this a quality option for a mid-layer or stand-alone jacket in moderate temperatures.
The Arc’teryx Atom LT Hooded Insulated Jacket is warm, breathable and provides some protection from wind and precipitation. It’s functionality is ideal for strenuous cold weather activities and its style allows it to be worn around town.
The Patagonia Micro Puff Insulated Jacket is the ultimate mid-layer jacket for weight conscious backpackers. It is incredibly light, warm and packable. However, it suffers from durability issues and some users complain that the fit is awkward.
The RAB Xenon X Insulated Jacket is warm, weather resistant, and comfortable. It trades a lack of breathability for superior insulation, but this jacket is a terrific mid-layer option that can even occasionally fill-in as an outer layer.
The Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket provides solid warmth and breathability for high intensity activities in cold weather. It cannot be trusted as your sole outer layer if rain or wind is expected, but excels as a mid-layer in these conditions, or as an outer layer in cold, dry and calm weather.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket is a very comfortable high performance rain shell. It’s stretch outer fabric allows for a wide range of motion and its seam sealed waterproof membrane protects from all but the biggest deluges. It is moderately lightweight and has a nice set of basic features.
The Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket is clean and simple, yet highly functional. It is wind and waterproof, has a well designed hood, and is easily packable and breathable. For high intensity activities, the lack of pit zips could be an issue for some users.